Chapter 81.5 – Gion arrives at Syrup Village

Arton got up, clapping his hands, and walked over to Kaya.

"As expected, Kaya, this outfit makes you even more stunning."

"So, how does it feel? If the size isn't right, you can let me know, and I'll get new ones."

"Especially the undergarments."

"They're worn close to the body, so if they're not comfortable, it can be quite unpleasant."

Arton laughed.

"It, it's perfect! absolutely perfect!"

"No need for other ones, Arton-san!"

Kaya shook her head, declining Arton's offer. She didn't want to experience another situation like the current one.

"Really? That's a shame."

Arton shrugged but soon grew serious again.

"Let's get down to business, Kaya."

"While I was away, I'm sure Carina and Uta explained what I do."

"Yes, I'm planning to become a pirate, and I'll be doing some pretty wild things in the future."

"Are you ready for that?"

Kaya nodded naturally.

"If it weren't for you, I might be dead by now."

"So, my life continues because of you."

"Given that, following you on your adventures doesn't seem like a bad choice."

Kaya placed her hand on her chest and looked at Arton sincerely.

Arton might not fully understand, but Kaya knew the depth of his actions—it went beyond just defeating Kuro and saving Merry.

It also cured her illness, allowing Kaya to be reborn. Given that, Kaya naturally had no qualms about setting sail with Arton.

Uta nodded in agreement. She followed Arton for similar reasons. Though, after becoming his crewmate, Arton's occasional habit of taking suggestive photos left her both annoyed and delighted. Annoyed, because Arton included these somewhat improper photos in his diary. Delighted, because the photos meant more points.

"Your response is quite reassuring, Kaya."

"Don't worry, you won't regret your decision," Arton said, patting Kaya on the shoulder, smiling broadly.

Then Arton continued, "By the way, do you have shipbuilding resources here?"

"I want to formally establish my pirate crew—our pirate crew."

"So I need a new ship to mark our beginning."

Kaya smiled slightly and replied, "A ship? Well, it just so happens that we've been building a ship recently."

"It's almost finished, with just a bit more work to do."

"If Kuro hadn't delayed Merry's work, the ship might already be ready."

Arton blinked, a look of surprise flashing across his face. "Is it really that convenient?"

"Yep, it's just that convenient," Kaya chuckled, seeing Arton's astonished expression.

"Alright, Kaya, why don't you show me the ship? Once I've checked it out, we can start getting ready to set sail."

"If there's enough time after preparations, we can try fusing."

"I'd like to test using the Tsunade template in you, to see if we can develop suitable combat strategies."

"No problem, follow me, Arton-san," Kaya said.

"Carina, Uta, come along too," Kaya added, heading to the window, then suddenly leaping out.

Arton raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Looks like this rich lady isn't as quiet as she seems."

Carina laughed, saying, "Being quiet was likely due to Kaya's poor health, but now that she's feeling better, she's opened up."

"And she owes that to a certain mysterious doctor who treated her."

Carina finished, casting a meaningful look at Arton's back.

"I feel like there's something you're implying, Carina."

"…Alright, everyone, let's go."

"If nothing goes wrong, we should be able to finish our pirate ship," Arton said, waving to Carina and Uta before jumping out of the window like Kaya.

Following Kaya, the three headed to another coast in Syrup Village where Merry's three-masted ship was docked.

After some time, over the sea near Syrup Village, a striking figure was leaping through the sky at an astonishing speed toward the village.

"That's Syrup Village, right?"

"And that ship must be the one Arton seized from the Black Cat Pirates."

"Great, they haven't left yet," Gion thought, taking a deep breath as she stopped using Geppo and fell into the sea.

If she wanted to ensure Arton wouldn't recognize her as a Marine, she couldn't risk him seeing her using Geppo.

After landing in the water, Gion swam toward the side of the island, opting for a more discreet approach to Syrup Village. Although her Observation Haki didn't detect any powerful presence near the ship, she chose a safer path.

Not long after, Gion found a densely forested area to land in.

"I need to find a local to ask about Arton's whereabouts."

After surveying the surroundings, Gion walked toward Syrup Village.

Moments later, she encountered a long-nosed boy along her path.

"That's... Yasopp's son?!" Gion narrowed her eyes.

"No, I can't act on him just yet."

"The main target this time is Arton."

"But I can ask him if he knows where Arton and Kaya are."

With this in mind, Gion headed toward Usopp, who was walking down the street.

***

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